Things are heating up in Texas, which means your pool should be too! Ready for backyard cookouts and pool parties? If not, here are five ideas for the perfect celebration.

  1. Dive-in movie

Who says you have to go out to dinner and a movie when you can do it all at once? Building your own outdoor movie theater is way easier than it sounds, and it can easily be scaled up or down to match your budget. And yes, you can haul a TV outside for a flick by the pool, but we suggest ordering your very own projector since there are so many affordable options online and saving yourself the physical labor and potential for technological problems. Plus, with these handy gadgets, no screen is needed! You can project images on the wall of your house or, for a higher quality image, just a white sheet!

So, what are you waiting for? Set a date, grab some snacks (and towels, of course!), and watch *pun intended* as your people skip the box office for your house every time.

  1. Glow in the dark 

Whether you’re doing it for a birthday or a neighborhood get-together, throwing a “glowing” pool party is where it’s at—because not only does every kid (and adult) love glow-in-the-dark stuff, but it’s also a super cheap way to turn a nighttime swim into a full-blown celebration. And, who doesn’t find swimming at night way more fun? Order everything from glow sticks (Ya know, the ones you bend into bracelets!) to LED balloons and fluorescent bubbles here on Amazon! Come up with a few games—like a water balloon toss or the infamous “Categories” swim game with the pool lights off), and your party will be as lit as it gets.

  1. Ice cream potluck 

Nothing says warm weather quite like ice cream. And dare we say, most people can’t resist it even if they try. For casual, afternoon pool parties, don’t bother providing lunch. Instead, provide ice cream bowls, spoons, and a couple of your favorite flavors, and invite others to bring theirs, as well as toppings and condiments. Can you say chocolate syrup, sprinkles, nuts, gummy bears, and yum?!

This is a great option for kids because, um…sugar! And all that ice cream stickiness is pretty easy to wash off when ya have a body of water right next to you—just sayin’. Not to mention, ice cream isn’t like other party foods, meaning that you probably won’t have to worry about the unfortunate “solid-food-plus-pool” combination (unless, of course, someone is lactose intolerant!). Basically, you can’t go wrong with a potluck. It’ll satisfy tummies and, even better, save you money because of all those banana splits? You’ll be splitting the cost of ’em too.

  1. Bonfire blast

You may not live in the outskirts of town, but you for sure can pretend! Turn your backyard into a mini camping ground, and let your pool be your pond—for dunking, tire-jumping, and more! To start, make a list of all the things involved in a typical camping trip: board games, playing cards, barbeques, stargazing, songs, stories, and, most importantly, roasting marshmallows! Oh, and don’t forget the sleeping bags and tents! Then incorporate as many of these activities into your celebration as possible. If you have a fire pit, bonus points! If not, you may have to get a little extra creative…outdoor stoves, indoor fireplaces, etc., to toast things up. Either way, adults and kids alike will appreciate the novelty of the idea and the chance to have some unique outdoor fun with their friends and loved ones.

  1. Spa + Beach Day

It’s no secret that many pool owners got a pool in the first place for relaxation, but many of them never end up using them that way! So, what could be better than planning a full-blown spa day at the beach (i.e. your pool)? Gather some of your friends and plan at least a few hours to do nothing but chill. That might look like buying face masks, adult beverages, and some fancy food—charcuterie boards, anyone?—or whatever most relaxes you! We just recommend laying out by the pool, turning on the jacuzzi if you have one, and enjoying what a pool is supposed to be about. But you do need the cucumbers. Cucumbers are a must. 

That’s all we have for now! Have other cool pool party ideas? Let us know on social media!